Francie puts a twist on a classic

FOR decades, Ireland’s trad groups have made their mark around the world, and The Kilkennys have been flying the flag in recent times.

Following a trail blazed by The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, band members Davey Cashin, Tommy Mackey, Robbie Campion and Mick Martin have been mesmerising audiences with their high octane performances featuring a multitude of instruments.

“We are reviving the old Irish folk and traditional songs and introducing them to a young audience,” says Davey

Last year they released a stunning version of the Mick Hanly song, featuring the 30-strong Arís Choir and a 12-string orchestra. It’s a song that resonates with Irish emigrants across the globe, wherever The Kilkennys perform.

This outstanding group will also be honoured at the Sunday World Awards in Mullingar on Monday, February 5. FRANCIE Conway’s new single, Hold Your Head Up, , is an exciting new twist on the classic song which was a hit for the English rock band, Argent.

“It was one of my favourite songs growing up and still is,” says Francie, whose old pal Finbar Furey is featured on the track, playing the uilleann pipes. British musician Chris White, who co-wrote Hold Your Head Up, sings backing vocals and co-produced the single. One of the great characters of the Irish music scene, Kerryman Francie busked around Europe in the early 1980s with Tony Blair’s former right-hand man Alastair Campbell!